98 September 19 - 25, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER CONTENTS | READERS’ PICKS | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | SPORTS & RECREATION Best Liquor Store Perrault Located at Mockingbird Station, Perrault is a chic specialty wine and spirits store with a focus on superior quality and consumer education. The boutique wine selection was curated by Perrault’s in- house sommelier, Christina Chilcoat, and the liquor was selected by owner Fausto Vallejo. Everything on Perrault’s shelves is personally tasted and approved. It also offers immersive wine classes, tasting events, private cellar management, custom gift baskets, Reidel glassware, local chocolates from Kate Weisser and CocoAndre, educational wine and spirit books, cocktail and wine accessories, and an artisan cheese and charcuterie program. Did we miss anything? Yeah, Perrault is the ultimate liquor store. 5331 E. Mockingbird Lane, No. 180 214-501-0475, perraultdallas.com Best Margarita Ayahuasca Cantina This sultry mezcaleria, pulqueria and tequila lounge recently made Esquire’s exclusive list of Best Bars in America, the only Dallas spot on the list. Every bottle behind the bar is from Mexico (even the gin and wine), all of which, along with dishes, showcase Mexico’s rich heritage. Esquire suggests a flight of sotol, but don’t ignore the humble clarified margarita topped with a light frothy foam with a hint of flavor that changes seasonally. It’s one of the smoothest margaritas in a city with literally thousands. Ayahuasca is located behind Xaman Cafe. There’s no sign pointing the way so just walk through the cafe to the door in the back. Reservations are recommended. 334 Jefferson Blvd. 469-687-0005, xamancafe.com/ayahuasca Best Michelada La Toxica Mariscos Y Micheladas If your restaurant has micheladas in the name, you better be good at them, and La Toxica Mariscos Y Micheladas is. This Mexican seafood destination is in the heart of Deep Ellum, and here, they make micheladas from scratch, beginning with a house michelada mix made daily. Choose your beer (a Mexican beer; anything else would be uncivilized), and then let the bartenders at La Toxica work their magic, merging your lager with tomato juice, freshly squeezed limes and a symphony of assorted sauces and spices. When done right, a good michelada can beat the pants off a bloody mary. Go for the Michelada Preparada, which comes rimmed with jumbo shrimp alongside Takis and seasoned sliced cucumbers. 2914 Main St. 214-242-9396, facebook.com/latoxicadfw Best Sports Bar Christie’s Christie’s has been an essential sports bar in Dallas since 1991. There are more TVs than we can count, and on big game days (no matter the sport), the energy is palpable. The food is much better than expected: house-made-tortilla chips are stellar. When the weather is nice, head up to the rooftop. No matter how busy it gets, the staff is attentive, and food and drinks arrive quickly. Each seat in the house offers a view to multiple TVs, meaning you can watch all the sports at once. A dream, really. 2817 Greenville Ave. 469-972-6946, christiessportsbar.com Aaren Prody Ayahuasca Cantina // BEST MARGARITA
